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The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code was adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.268(85) and became mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VI, Part A on 1 January 2011, replacing the non-mandatory Bulk Cargoes (BC) Code. It applies to all ships carrying solid bulk cargoes other than grain (grain is covered by the International Grain Code). The Code establishes individual schedules for listed cargoes, defines three cargo groups, and sets out shipper obligations, testing methods, declaration requirements, and emergency procedures.
Solid bulk cargo incidents — particularly liquefaction-related capsizes — have caused numerous total losses and hundreds of seafarer deaths since the 1990s. The IMSBC Code is the primary instrument addressing this risk, but enforcement depends on accurate shipper declarations and robust verification by Masters and cargo surveyors.
Hazard: Liquefaction under vibration and moisture — loss of shear strength, free surface effect, potential capsize
Examples: Iron ore fines, nickel ore, bauxite (since 2017 amendments), mineral concentrates, coal slurry, mill scale
Key requirement: Shipper must provide a Moisture Content (MC) declaration and a Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) certificate from an accredited laboratory. MC must not exceed TML at time of loading. Master may conduct the can test or flow table test on representative samples.
Hazard: Toxic gas emission, flammability, self-heating, corrosivity, oxygen depletion, or explosion risk
Examples: Coal (self-heating, methane emission), direct-reduced iron (DRI), calcium hypochlorite, ammonium nitrate fertilisers, fishmeal, seed cake
Key requirement: Entry into cargo holds or adjacent enclosed spaces is prohibited without gas-testing and a Permit to Enter. Some Group B cargoes also exhibit Group A behaviour — they are listed under both groups and must satisfy all requirements of each.
Hazard: No specific chemical or liquefaction hazard — bulk physical hazards only (dust, abrasion, weight shift)
Examples: Cement clinker, feldspar, granite, ilmenite, phosphate rock, salt, sugar (raw), wood chips
Key requirement: Shipper's declaration of the cargo name, bulk density, stowage factor, and angle of repose. No TML certificate required. Ship must still ensure structural adequacy and adequate ventilation where relevant.
Each cargo listed in the IMSBC Code has its own schedule, identified by the Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN). Schedules follow a standard layout with the following fields:
The correct name for the cargo as it must appear on the shipping documents and the Master's declaration.
Physical state (solid, granular, powdery), colour, odour, bulk density range, angle of repose, and moisture content range.
Group classification (A, B, both, or C) and specific hazard descriptions such as liquefaction potential, toxic gas emission, self-heating, or dust generation.
Hold type required (ship type 1 or general), ventilation requirements (natural or mechanical), maximum stack height, segregation from other cargoes and from sources of heat or ignition.
Whether the cargo must be protected from ingress of water during the voyage.
Emergency schedules referenced from the EmS Guide (e.g., F-A, S-P), medical first aid guide references, fire-fighting agent restrictions.
Approved test procedures for determining TML (for Group A) or other cargo characteristics. References to ISO standards.
Cleanliness of holds required, special loading or discharge precautions, pre-loading surveys, documentation to be carried on board.
Original adoption of the IMSBC Code as mandatory under SOLAS VI. Replaced the old BC Code. Established the three-group framework and schedule format.
01-11 amendment cycle: revised schedules for nickel ore and iron ore fines following a series of casualties; introduced additional testing guidance.
02-15 amendment cycle: bauxite added to Group A following incidents; updated schedules for coal and direct-reduced iron (DRI).
03-19 amendment cycle: new and revised schedules; updated testing methods; guidance on cargoes not listed in the Code.
04-23 amendment cycle: revised schedules for seed cake, fishmeal, and coal; new schedules for lithium-ion battery scrap and end-of-life batteries; enhanced guidance on sampling procedures and declaration requirements.
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